Advanced Data Science

• Join a course that focuses on the extraction, analysis and management of information from big data using a variety of scientific techniques and software tools
• Gain in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of a range of issues and concepts in Advanced Data Science
• Learn to incorporate the latest techniques and approaches thar are delivered by research-active academic tutors
• Develop the ability to effectively apply a variety of scientific techniques to real-world problems arising in diverse fields.

Future focused content

Big data is all around us and the ability to identify and obtain intelligence from this requires a set of skills which is increasingly in demand. This programme provides a robust grounding in the key principles and tools of data science, together with a strong focus on industrial applications.

This master’s programme has been designed in conjunction with SAS (Data and AI Solutions), a leading provider of software platforms for data mining and business intelligence, widely used in both industry and academia. You will develop a critical and deep understanding of the relevant theoretical aspects related to big data that is integrated with SAS, as well as other up-to-date software applications, to gain a comprehensive knowledge relevant to both prospective and well-established IT professionals and entrepreneurs, who want to make an impact in the field of Advanced Data Science.

In addition, you will be able to complement your studies with an appropriate SAS qualification, upon successful completion of the relevant examinations. You can also meet the criteria for Chartered Information Technology Professional status, upon completion of satisfactory post programme industrial experience.

Meet the needs of employers

The programme incorporates real-world industry-based problems that you will work through in both supervised tutorial sessions and independent work. You will gain specialist knowledge of Advanced Data Science, and also the ability to apply multidisciplinary concepts to real-world problems relevant to today’s dynamic business and scientific areas.

We have well-established links with industry including Rolls-Royce, JCB, SAP, SAS, Sony, Microsoft, Bosch, GKN Aerospace and Roche Pharmaceuticals, though research and high-profile consultancy projects, which ensure the course content is relevant to industry needs.

By studying this course, you will:

• Build specialist knowledge about Advanced Data Science, and all the aspects related to this field, such as acquiring, managing, and visualising information, rigorous and effective communication skills, as well as a deep understanding of the ethical issues involved
• Apply advanced scientific and computational techniques to real-world problems
• Gain a sound and critical understanding of the relationship of Advanced Data Science to other sciences, business and industry
• Develop a critical appreciation and awareness of Advanced Data Science, emphasising the bridges between theory and practice
• Be able to synthesise and communicate complex ideas using appropriate means, in particular with regards to multidisciplinary applications, teams and audiences
• Become a critically self-reflective practitioner, that can learn and work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

Subject-specific practical and professional skills are developed in workshops. Some may involve technical activities or small projects, while others require the application of concepts, tools and techniques to given case studies, practical scenarios and organisations.

Practical based skills are developed through activities such as laboratory-based exercises and through the use of coursework assessment. To be a successful practitioner in the field it requires a wide range of skills and abilities, so the learning experiences are varied, with the use of lectures, tutorials, laboratories, individual work, seminars and presentations.

Learning and teaching techniques are deliberately varied in nature and will include:

• face-to-face or virtual lectures (the majority of modules will have this method as a basis of initial delivery)
• case studies
• role play
• debates
• student presentations
• formative and summative enquiry-based learning
• problem-solving activities.

The particular methods used in enabling these techniques will vary according to the individual needs of the students.

How you’ll be assessed

Over the course of a programme you will experience different assessment methods which may include:

• coursework
• written exams
• research projects
• dissertation/thesis

Graduates from the programme will be equipped for careers in business intelligence and data analytics, which includes the analysis and extraction of information from Big Data sets relating to any type of industry or business. Graduates will also gain high level skills and knowledge pertaining to consultancy and entrepreneurship.

The MSc Advanced Data Science will provide you, on successful completion, a step up in your professional development and give you excellent employment potential. There is a growing demand for Advanced Data Science professionals and the programme provides a postgraduate qualification that directly meets the needs of today's working environments with regard to a variety of emerging and innovative technologies and challenges posed by the increasingly complex networked world of modern society.

Information Technology professionals who can identify the root causes of business issues and have the ability to model/analyse complex daily life scenarios as well as complex technical, biological, chemical, engineering, financial or economical systems and processes are much sought after.

As well as offering a route to further study at PhD level, successful completion of this programme will enable you to enter, or return to work, more effectively and communicate your knowledge and skills to a broad audience of people with diverse backgrounds in order to be able to operate in and lead multidisciplinary teams.

The course will enable you to prepare to meet the academic requirements of the British Computer Society (BCS), enabling you to achieve Chartered Information Technology Professional status after completion subsequent satisfactory industrial experience post programme.

Applicants for the MSc Advanced Data Science programme will normally hold a 2.2 or higher Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) or a closely related discipline with significant mathematical content at an appropriate level, or an equivalent international degree.

Applicants who do not meet these criteria may still be eligible if they can demonstrate relevant work experience in a management or supervisory position, supported by employers’ references, and can demonstrate effective communication and learning skills and the motivation to succeed during an interview.

If English is not your first language, you will also need an IELTS score of 6.0 or the equivalent.

Where required, interviews will be conducted by the Programme Leader and may be undertaken by telephone where access to campus may be prohibitive.

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

Additional costs and optional extras

About postgraduate awards

Please note at postgraduate level, you'll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

Additional information about your studies

If you join in September, the duration of the course will be one year. If you enrol in January, the course duration will be 18 months.

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.